Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija Blog roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Tuesday, 9th September, 2025.

1. Speaker Abbas Denies Speaking Against Borrowing By Federal Government

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has denied reports that he raised alarm and condemned borrowing by the federal government.

Abbas explained in a statement by his Special Adviser on New Media, Jowosimi Enitan, that his actual position was that public debt, if properly managed, can serve as a useful tool for growth and development.

Earlier reports had quoted him as saying Nigeria’s rising debt profile had exceeded statutory limits, threatening fiscal sustainability. However, his media team later clarified that he supports responsible borrowing under proper oversight.

2. Dangote Bows To Pressure, Allows Workers Join NUPENG

The Dangote Group has reportedly agreed to allow workers of its refinery and petrochemicals to join the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

Sources confirmed that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) is being drafted and may be signed within two weeks.

3. TUC Rejects Planned 5% Fuel Tax, Threatens Nationwide Strike

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has rejected the federal government’s proposed 5% tax on petroleum products, describing it as reckless and insensitive.

TUC President Festus Osifo warned that the move would worsen hardship already caused by subsidy removal, inflation, and naira depreciation. The union threatened mass action if the government proceeds with the plan.

4. If We Reveal Their Names, They Will Be Kidnapped – Labour Party’s Arabambi

Labour Party factional spokesperson Abayomi Arabambi has ruled out Peter Obi as the party’s 2027 presidential candidate.

Speaking on Channels TV, he revealed that the party has three names in consideration but refused to disclose them, claiming they could be kidnapped if revealed.

5. 2025 UTME: JAMB Uncovers Over 4,000 Cases Of Finger Blending, AI-Assisted Fraud

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has uncovered over 4,000 cases of “finger blending” and nearly 200 cases of AI-assisted impersonation during the 2025 UTME.

A special committee report presented to JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, also exposed false disability claims, forged documents, and collusion between candidates and syndicates.

6. Tinubu Sacks SA On Digital And Creative Economy

President Bola Tinubu has sacked Fegho John Umunubo, who served as Special Assistant on Digital and Creative Economy in the Office of the Vice President.

The presidency cautioned the public against engaging with him in any official capacity going forward.

7. My Daughters Deserve Better – Annie Macaulay Speaks On Past Choices

Nollywood actress Annie Macaulay shared an emotional post on Instagram, stating that she hopes her daughters will make better life choices than she did.

The actress, formerly married to 2Baba Idibia, hinted at her past struggles while assuring her daughters of her full support.

8. ‘I Was Expecting It’ – Segun Ogungbe Responds To Infidelity Allegations

Nollywood actor Segun Ogungbe has reacted to allegations of infidelity from his former lover, Wunmi Ajiboye.

Ogungbe said he was not surprised by the claims and maintained he remains unbothered, adding that as a theatre practitioner, “anything can happen.”

9. Troost-Ekong: “There Will Be No Arrogance” Against South Africa

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong says Nigeria will approach their World Cup qualifier against South Africa with humility and focus.

He said the team is determined to secure maximum points in Bloemfontein while avoiding complacency.

10. “Nigeria Only Paid For One Tournament Out Of 12” – Aruna Quadri Blasts FG

Nigeria’s top table tennis player, Aruna Quadri, has accused the federal government of neglect, saying it only sponsored him for one tournament out of twelve he competed in yearly.

Quadri revealed that he has relied mostly on private sponsors to represent Nigeria internationally, despite ranking among the world’s top players.

That’s all for today’s roundup. Stay tuned with Naija Blog for more breaking news and top stories from Nigeria.